Normal is not a word in Pachamama vocab

Pachamama’s vision is being a home away from home steeped in nature, creativity and diversity.

When introducing a new resource into a Pachamama learning environment, consideration is given as to whether it is aligned with Pachamama’s vision.  Would it be suitable in a home, or is it more befitting of an institution?  Is it made from materials found in nature, or is it highly manufactured and more ‘plastic fantastic’?  Is it creative, unique, or eclectic or is it run-of-the-mill boring?  Does it bring variety to the senses with different colours, shapes, textures or sounds?  Or is it monotonously bland without much diversity or depth?

Pachamama focuses on the unique, the bold, and the eclectic.  The creative.  Normal is not a word in the Pachamama vocabulary.

We believe that children should be inspired to think outside the square, to consider ‘the different’.  Immersed children in environments that ignite interest and passion is a great gift to a child.

When it came to designing a dining table for the kindy room, the reflection process was the same as always.  What would be highly functional, while making the room ‘pop’ with unique individuality?  What would bring the children together fostering social skills to be developed more readily?  What would be a positive influencer on behaviour?  What would be easy to clean, yet not feel sterile?  What would be easily movable, yet sturdy?  What would be take centre pride in a home?

It was decided to make a very large table so all the children in the room could sit together and share a home-made meal.  A massive raw and irregular in shape Marri slab was found in a Fremantle timber yard and delivered to Marri Crescent on a long double axle trailer.  Black glass was poured into the holes, cracks and imperfections.  Hours upon endless hours were dedicated to sanding both sides of the slab until it was as smooth as butter.

A natural eco oil wax was applied to each side of the sanded slab.  Layer after layer of applications were made, sanding in between each one.  There were sixteen layers in all.  The under table supports and legs were constructed from metal piping, using six large wheels for ease of movement for cleaning.

The benches were created through the same process using a slap cut in half for each bench.  Bench seating is functionally and visually easier than chairs, and more socially appropriate for the children.   Each end of the slab benches are supported by a round tree stump.

But the ‘piece de resistance’ are the twelve light bulbs on black cords twisted around a horizontally hanging wooden vintage ladder. The light bulbs sparkle above the children like stars in the bright night.  All different shapes, colours, and light elements.  Creative and diverse.  So Pachamama.